Children’s involvement in theft concerns Masindi leaders
Asiimwe accuses parents and guardians of neglecting their responsibilities and leaving children to loiter in places like bars and others.
By Our Reporter
Masindi: Leaders in Masindi Municipality are concerned over the involvement of children in theft-related cases.
Solomon Asiimwe, the LC3 Chairperson for Karujubu Division, stressed that children are currently involved in theft cases.
He mentioned the notable areas as Kihuuba, Kinogozi, Kirooya, and Zebra, asserting that children are breaking into people’s houses, and so far, three cases of vehicle theft involving children have been reported to his office.
Asiimwe accuses parents and guardians of neglecting their responsibilities and leaving children to loiter in places like bars and others.
‘’You get these children in bars at midnight; most of them are involved in criminal acts like breaking into people’s houses and hatching deals of car theft, among others.’’
The politician stressed that though they have bylaws in place, they have not been implemented due to a lack of enforcement teams. ‘’We have only two police officers at Karujubu police post, and the division is too big for them to manage,’’ he stressed.
Asiimwe said that they have started sensitizing the public to the dangers of involving children in theft-related acts since it jeopardizes their future.
Sanon Dhaala, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner for Masindi, said that some parents and guardians are sending their children to break into houses and steal items like phones, screens, and others.
According to Dhaala, parents tend to send children between the ages of 10 and 15. He therefore warned parents and said whoever was caught would face the law.
‘’Our intelligence has established that there are parents who tend to send their children to break into people’s houses and steal properties; we are aware and we are coming for you,’’ he said.
Annet Karamagi, the Masindi district probation and welfare officer, said that cases of children’s involvement in theft are being reported in her office.
She blamed poor parenting and poverty as the major causes of children’s involvement in theft.
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